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Shutdown in Kashmir as Kalam arrives

Srinagar July 28, 2006:

Life in Indian administered Kashmir was paralysed today as a shutdown strike was observed to protest the visit of Indian President A P J Abul Kalam.

The call for strike was given by Hardline faction of All Parties Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Kalam arrived in Leh this morning on a two day visit to Jammu and Kashmir where he inaugrated the 2550th Buddha Jayanti celebrations at Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre. Later he flew to Srinagar.

In Srinagar Kalam will address a joint session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature today and attend the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Saturday.

Kashmir High Court Bar Association, (KHBA) the body of lawyers in Kashmir has announced the boycott of diamond jubilee celebrations to protest the alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Bar Association alleged that Indian troops were involved in human rights violations across the region.

President KHBA, Mian Qayoom said the celebrations were 'politically motivated.'

"The diamond jubilee of high court fell back in 2003. What are they
celebrating now," Qayoom said.

"This is just to show to the world community that everything is fine in Kashmir, when the ground reality is totally different". He added